On 23rd September 2024, the Film Federation of India (FFI) revealed Kiran Rao’s critically acclaimed film ‘Laapata Ladies’ as India’s official entry for the “Best International Feature Film” category at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscars 2025). The prestigious awards ceremony will take place on 2nd March 2025 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
Related: 8 Shocking Truths about Laapata Ladies that will Leave You Speechless.
Selection Process: How FFI Chose ‘Laapata Ladies’
The selection process for India’s Oscars 2025 entry was thorough and rigorous. Here are the details:
- A 13-member jury, led by Assamese director Jahnu Barua, was appointed by the FFI.
- The committee evaluated 29 films from various Indian languages, including:
- 12 Hindi films
- 6 Tamil films
- 4 Malayalam films
- ‘Laapata Ladies’ was chosen unanimously, surpassing stiff competition from critically acclaimed films like:
- ‘Aattam’ (The Play) – a Malayalam film that won the 70th National Film Award for Best Feature Film in August 2024.
- Payal Kapadia’s “All We Imagine As Light”, which won the Grand Prix, the second-highest award at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2024.
This unanimous selection marks a monumental decision by the FFI to send a strong contender for the Oscars 2025.
Key Highlights:
- FFI announced its selection process for the Oscars 2025.
- Laapata Ladies, directed by Kiran Rao, was chosen from a pool of 29 films.
- The film will represent India at the Academy Awards in the highly competitive Best International Feature Film category.
About ‘Laapata Ladies’ – India’s Official Oscar Entry
‘Laapata Ladies’, the chosen film by the FFI, has garnered significant acclaim both in India and internationally. Here are key insights into the film:
- The movie was released theatrically across India in March 2024.
- Prior to its Indian release, it had a global premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2023.
- Directed by Kiran Rao and produced by Amir Khan alongside Jio Studios, the film showcases a unique narrative.
- ‘Laapata Ladies’ is based on Biplab Goswami’s “Two Brides”, one of the winning scripts from the Cinestaan India Storytellers Contest.
The FFI’s choice of this film is a testament to its rich storytelling, compelling direction, and international appeal.
Significance of FFI’s Choice for Oscars 2025
The decision to select Laapata Ladies as India’s official entry emphasizes the FFI’s commitment to highlighting films that not only reflect Indian culture but also stand out globally. The competition at the Academy Awards is fierce, but FFI has placed its trust in this film’s ability to resonate with global audiences.
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Conclusion:
The FFI‘s selection of ‘Laapata Ladies’ for the Oscars 2025 is a bold and strategic move. With a strong selection process, stellar competition, and a film with international recognition, India stands a solid chance at the Academy Awards. As the excitement builds, all eyes will be on how the film performs at the Oscars.